System and method for applying a fastening material to a substrate

Abstract

A system for applying a fastening material to a substrate is provided. The system may include a first material source including the substrate. The substrate may define a first length extending from a first edge to a second edge and the first material source may feed the substrate in a first direction transverse to the first length. The system may additionally include a second material source including the fastening material. The fastening material may define a second length extending from a third edge to a fourth edge, whereby the second length is substantially equal to the first length and the second material source feeds the fastening material in a second direction transverse to the second length. The system may also include an applicator system that secures the fastening material to the substrate.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for applying a fastening material to a substrate, the system comprising:
 a first material source including the substrate, the substrate defining a first length extending from a first edge to a second edge, the first material source configured to feed the substrate in a first direction transverse to the first length; 
 a second material source including the fastening material, the fastening material defining a second length extending from a third edge to a fourth edge, the second length substantially equal to the first length, the second material source configured to feed the fastening material in a second direction transverse to the second length; and 
 an applicator system having a cutting block and a seal head, the cutting block having a cutting mechanism defining a third length substantially equal to the first length, the seal head defining a fourth length substantially equal to the first length, the cutting block and the seal head configured to secure the fastening material to the substrate such that the first edge is aligned with the third edge and the second edge is aligned with the fourth edge, and wherein the cutting block is configured to translate in the first direction and in another direction transverse to the first direction. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first material source includes a first axis of rotation and the second material source includes a second axis of rotation, the first length extending in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation, the second length extending in a direction substantially parallel to the second axis of rotation. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fastening material defines a width extending in a direction perpendicular to the second length, the width being less than the second length. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 3 , wherein the width is between 1% and 10% of the second length. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fastening material includes a first portion of a self-engaging fastener. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 5 , wherein the self-engaging fastener includes one of a hook-type fastener and a loop-type fastener. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the cutting block and the seal head are configured to secure the fastening material to the substrate using at least one of ultrasonic welding and an adhesive.